What is a multi-party system? Why has India adopted a multi-party system? Explain.

Multi-party system has several parties competing in the elections and more than two parties have a chance to get a majority. These parties can win either on their own or by making alliances. The party system ideally should reflect country’s society and history. In India, a multi-party system is the most ideal because of the diversity.

India adopted a multi-party system because:

1. The social and geographical diversity present in India cannot be represented by one or two parties effectively.

2. Party system develops depending on the country’s history. The multi-party system was present in India even before Independence.